n. & v.
--n.
1. a payment made to a professional person or to a professional or public body in exchange for advice or services.
2 money paid as part of a special transaction, for a privilege, admission to a society, etc. (enrolment fee).
3 (in pl.) money regularly paid (esp. to a school) for continuing services.
4 Law an inherited estate, unlimited (fee simple) or limited (fee tail) as to the category of heir.
5 hist. a fief; a feudal benefice.
--v.tr. (fee'd or feed)
1. pay a fee to.
2 engage for a fee.
Etymology: ME f. AF, OF feu, fieu, etc. f. med.L feodum, feudum, perh. f. Frank.: cf. FEUD(2), FIEF